Chateau Chantal PRESS Kit Get the Juice

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Winery & Luxury Inn In the tradition of the European chateau, a premiere destination unlike any other in the Midwest. Whatever experience you seek, it’s guaranteed to be excellent at Chateau Chantal. Read what others are saying…

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Tasters Guild Winery of the Year Tasters Guild President, Joe Borrello, comments, “We present Chateau Chantal this award in recognition of your continuing endorsement of consumer education, understanding and appreciation of the responsible use of wine with food through the support of Tasters Guild activities and your organization's ongoing commitment to these goals. The heart of Tasters Guild is you, and other affiliates who make up our National Network. Without your support, the effort to educate and serve the consumer would be near impossible.” Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Companies making it to the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list are a remarkable group of second-stage companies. Defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants, these companies form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Representing all regions of the state and a diverse range of industries, companies like Chateau Chantal are known for their exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, creation of innovation or use of innovation in creative ways, and their sustainable competitive advantage. Wine Enthusiast Magazine “Esteemed Wine Escape” “A good vacation should always entail copious amounts of fine food and wine, but bed-andbreakfasts across the country are now offering more than just a menu. Travelers can now hone their chef skills and learn wine pairing techniques on these culinary learning getaways. W.E. gives you our top picks for places to plan your next wine and food-focused escape. (cont.) Chateau Chantal (Traverse City, MI) The bed-and-breakfast at Chateau Chantal, located on the Old Mission Peninsula, features 11 rooms, with views of the 65-acre estate. Weekend cooking classes, where guests learn to make such dishes as paella and wine sorbet, are offered twice a month from January through May and include a Chateau Chantal cellar tour and wine tasting of varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and Merlot. Wine seminars, led by Winemaker Mark Johnson, cover topics like the winemaking process and pairing wine with food and are offered in March and April.” http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2011/Esteemed-Wine-Escapes/ Top 10 US Wine Country Inn, www.gayot.com Only destination named in Michigan! “Dividing Lake Michigan's Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula is the place to go when you want to get away from it all. Although it's home to only five wineries, it's an official American Viticultural Area, one of four in Michigan, a state that specializes in vinifera, hybrid and native grape varieties. Come out here for a long weekend and you'll have enough time to get to know each winery well, beginning with Chateau Chantal, a European chateaustyle winery on a 65-acre estate. The winery is home to an eleven room B&B, as well as a cooking school. Of course, the most pleasant way to pass the time here is by sitting on the patio, sipping a glass of house wine and savoring views of the bay, vines and cherry orchards.” Top 50 US Culinary Destination, Gourmet Getaways-50 Top Spots to Cook and Learn “An American version of a modern Loire Valley chateau, Chateau Chantal is more than just another stunning bed-andbreakfast-it is a retreat for gourmets who seek a food and wine holiday.” Cooking classes are a natural extension of the offering at Chateau Chantal, where a lifestyle of family, friends, hospitality, wine, and food go hand in hand each day.”

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

North America's top 10 wine destinations, NYDailyNews.com Editors at Trip Advisor compiled a list of the top US wine regions, among them is Traverse City, Michigan. “The majority of its grapes are grown near the shores of Lake Michigan, making for the unique growing climate of the Traverse City area, an important wine-growing region in the Midwest. Baco noir, cabernet franc, and others are produced in Michigan Wine Country, along with rarer fruit wines and ice wines.” Social Media and Internet Presence www.twitter.com/chateauchantal www.instagram.com/chateau.chantal www.facebook.com/chateauchantalwine http://www.youtube.com/user/chateauchantal www.tripadvisor.com “European elegance in Northern Michigan” “Most Romantic Spot in Michigan” “Very relaxing, one of those trips everyone dreams of” “The shining jewel of Northern Michigan” “Breathtaking” “Simply Beautiful”

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Winery Profile Chateau Chantal owns and/or operates vineyards, wine production facilities, a tasting room from which retail wine sales are made, and an 11-unit bed and breakfast inn on the Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City, Michigan. The Company occupies a three-story building that is located on a 65-acre ridge overlooking both east and west Grand Traverse Bays. The winery and vineyards are located twelve miles north of Traverse City on a ridge overlooking both the east and the west arms of Grand Traverse Bay. The Chateau has been designed to blend into the scenic environment and to offer high-quality lodging in keeping with the area's growing reputation for exceptional hospitality. Nearly every part of the property offers stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, which is divided by the narrow, 20-mile long, Old Mission Peninsula. Chateau Chantal believes that few sites in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains are able to grow the vinifera species of wine grape that the company grows. Chateau Chantal is such a site because of the influence of surrounding waters, convective air currents, good air drainage and protective snow depths during the winter. Because its geography and microclimate are sufficiently unique, the region has designated Old Mission Peninsula as an American Viticulture Area. While Chateau Chantal was not incorporated until 1991, its history began in December 1983, when Robert and Nadine Begin formed Begin Orchards and purchased 60 acres of cherry orchards on the Company's current site. Between 1984 and 1991, the Begins cleared much of this land, planted various grapes varieties and purchased additional land. In July 1990, Mr. Begin received a Special Use Permit from the Peninsula Township to operate the Chateau. In June 1991, the Company was incorporated and in 1993 construction of the Chateau was completed. July of 2003 saw the completion of the expansion which added eight B&B units to the original three, and a 2,000 sq. ft. Hospitality Room equipped for executive retreats and events. Chateau Chantal’s Great Room is open to the public for tasting and sales all year-round. We offer a wide variety of wines – from very dry to lightly sweet. Each of our hand-crafted wines is produced under our winemaker’s meticulous supervision from vineyard to bottle. Vineyard development began in 1983 when sweet and tart cherry orchards were replaced with grafted grape vines of the vinifera species – the same type grown along other parts of the 45th parallel in the Bordeaux region of France. Acreage is planted with Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Meunier. Our wines have won several awards, including fifteen medals at the 2012 Taster’s Guild International and a Best of Show for the 2011 Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Gris at the L.A. International Wine Competition. Our bed & breakfast accommodations offer an ambiance unlike any other in the Midwest. Our suites and select rooms each include a private bath, whirlpool tubs, modern amenities, the coziness of a secluded retreat, breathtaking views, a full gourmet breakfast, and access to the Chateau’s Great Room, a full conference room, 2 fireplaces and wine tasting bar.

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Chateau Chantal FAQ’s

Who are we?

What wines do we produce?

Chateau Chantal is a winery, vineyard, and 11-unit B&B sitting atop a ridge overlooking both West and East Grand Traverse Bays, rolling vineyards, and scenic woodlands Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Naughty, Nice Red & White, Ice Wine, Sparkling, Fortified, Eau de Vie, Brandy

Where are we?

Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan, on Old Mission Peninsula, 12 miles north of Traverse City M-37

When were we founded?

Chateau Chantal opened in July of 1993, first vineyards planted in Spring of 1986.

How many acres of property?

Chateau Chantal sits on a 65-acre estate, 38 of which are planted to vines. Chateau Chantal also tends 6 other vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula, for a total near 90 acres of planted agriculture.

What about in Argentina?

Chateau Chantal partners with a 55 acre vineyard in the Lujan de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Argentina. Since 2004, we have been sending our winemaker to this vineyard to supervise the farming and make a full bodied red wine from the Malbec grape. This wine is then shipped to our Michigan winery for cellaring and bottling. We make 1400 cases a year of our Malbec Tango (available through distribution only) and 900 cases of the Reserve Malbec (Tasting Room only).

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

When is harvest?

October, can start late September in warm years.

What kind of barrels are used?

French and American oak

How many cases are produced annually?

18,000-20,000 cases

Who are the winemakers?

-Mark Johnson: In 1983, he received a degree in Viticulture (vineyard care) and Enology (winemaking) at the Federal Research Station and Institute, Geisenheim, Germany.

What kinds of closures are used?

-Brian Hosmer was hired as a Winemaker at Chateau Chantal in 2007. Hosmer was born in Flint, and is a graduate of Michigan State University in Resource Development, he switched his area of study to winemaking and viticulture after several teaching-assistant positions in France, Spain and Belgium -where he learned to appreciate wine. Brian went through the two-year wine/viticulture program at MSU, and has a Master's degree. 100% natural cork, synthetic, and screw cap sparkling wine closures

Where can I buy Chateau Chantal wines?

Chateau Chantal is distributed throughout Michigan and Illinois. Call direct to the distributor at Republic National Distribution Company at 734-324-3000. In Illinois, call Fresh Coast Distribution at 312-952-1620.

How much is wine tasting?

$3 paid tasting of any 6 wines, refundable with a bottle purchase. Ice wine, brandy, and Eau de Vie samples for a charge.

Can I take a tour?

Call ahead for group tours and rates at 1.800.969.4009

Can I buy Chateau Chantal accessories?

Yes, sweatshirts, t-shirts, wine openers, and a multitude of other wine accessories are available at the Old Mission tasting room and online at http://store.chateauchantal.com/

Do you have any special events?

Yes - visit our online calendar at http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

calendar

Can I pick the grapes?

We do not sell our grapes, all of our estategrown grapes are needed to create our excellent Old Mission Peninsula wines!

How many B&B rooms do you have?

Our eight suites, two standard units, and Executive Apartment each include a private bath, modern amenities, the coziness of a secluded retreat, breathtaking views, a full breakfast, and access to the Chateau's Great Room, two fireplaces and tasting bar.

What are the B&B room rates?

Room rates range from $165-$600 per night depending on room choice, season, and weekend vs. weekday Yes. We can host small private functions. We can host weddings for 42 people or less, wine education dinners, and wine education tours. Local zoning regulates what our capacity and our privileges are from year to year. For a more detailed outlook e-mail us at [email protected] or read our special events and capacity guide.

Do you host private functions?

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Wine List Sparkling Wine Tonight Celebrate! White Pinot Grigio Dry, Semi-Dry and Late Harvest Riesling Naughty & Nice White Blends Reserve Chardonnay Unoaked Chardonnay Gewurztraminer

Red Naughty & Nice Red Reserve Pinot Noir Pontes Vineyard Pinot Noir Pinot Noir Cabernet Franc

Rosé Twilight Rosé Dry Rosé Fortified/Fruit Cherry, Sparkling Cherry Cerise

Trio-Cab Franc/Merlot/Pinot Noir Tango Malbec Reserve Malbec

Cerise Noir Cherry Eau-de-Vie, Brandy Specialty Ice Wine

Partial Chateau Chantal Wine Award List 2013 L.A. International Wine Competition 2013 MI Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 L.A. International Wine Competition 2013 Great Lakes Wine Competition 2013 MI Wine Competition 2013 MI Wine Competition 2013 MI Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Tasters Guild Wine Competition 2013 Great Lakes Wine Competition 2013 MI Wine Competition 2013 MI Wine Competition

2011 Reserve Pinot Gris 2011 Reserve Pinot Noir Naughty White Nice White 2011 Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 Reserve Pinot Gris 2011 Pinot Noir Nice Red Gewurztraminer 2011 Tango Malbec 2012 Late Harvest Riesling 2011 Semi-Dry Riesling 2012 Late Harvest Riesling 2011 Reserve Pinot Gris Tonight 2011 Res Chardonnay 2011 Trio 2010 Res Pinor Noir Naughty Red Celebrate 2012 Late Harvest Riesling 2011 Trio

Best of Class/Gold Double Gold Gold Gold Gold Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Management Officers

Robert P. Begin Mr. Begin is the Company's founder and Chairman Emeritus. Previously, Mr. Begin held the position of President/CEO and that of Chairman. Mr. Begin resides in the manager's residence in the Chateau. Mr. Begin did post graduate studies in low income housing under a one-year Ford Foundation Grant, in the late 1960s. Further, Mr. Begin studied with the Smaller Company Management Program at the Baker School of Business, Harvard University, during the early 1970s. He served as associate and pastor within the Archdiocese of Detroit from 1960 to 1972. From 1972 to 1983, Mr. Begin served as the CEO of Matvest, Inc., a construction management company with operations in nine major cities at the time of his resignation. He has been the sole proprietor of Begin Orchards since 1983.

James Krupka, Mr. Krupka serves as the Chairman of the Board of Chateau Chantal. He is retired as the former President/CEO of Chateau Chantal and previously Director of International Competition for BP in London. His prior position with Amoco was Director of Strategic Planning in Chicago. In the early 1980s Mr. Krupka was based in Traverse City and served as Executive Director for domestic Amoco wells in the Midwest. His community involvement was reflected in successfully leading the United Way Fund Campaign for the area. His main task will be to bring professional management and business experience to the company. Mr. Krupka has a strong vested interest in both his own vineyard and the future growth of Chateau Chantal. Mr. Krupka also serves as Deacon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish on Old Mission Peninsula. Marie-Chantal Dalese Marie-Chantal Dalese is the company’s President & CEO. Formerly the Director of Marketing, she is a marketing and management specialist with unique graduate education in the wine business. She is the daughter of the founder and namesake for the Chateau growing up on the Chateau estate. She previously worked with Connoisseur Wines, Inc as an Office Manager/Sales Representative/Marketing Assistant. Prior to that, she worked with Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago as a Wine Consultant and Chateau Chantal in various functions. Marie-Chantal has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Management from DePaul University, Chicago and a Graduate diploma in Wine Marketing from the University of Adelaide, Australia. She also completed the Roseworthy Wine Tasting Program in Adelaide.

Mark B. Johnson Mr. Johnson is Vice President of the Company and also serves in the position of Winemaker. His responsibilities include overseeing the Company's grape growing and wine production and distribution marketing,. Mr. Johnson received his B.A. degree in social work from Michigan State University in 1974. In 1983, he received a degree in Viticulture and Enology at the Federal Research Station and Institute, Geisenheim, Germany. From 1983 to 1993, Mr. Johnson was employed as a winemaker at Chateau Grand Traverse, a local winery. His employment with the Company began in 1993. Mr. Johnson is also a director of the Company.

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Robert Blackmere, Treasurer. Bob is a retired JP Morgan Chase Senior Vice President in the Grand Traverse area. Presently on the boards of the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation and the Junior Achievement of Michigan Great Lakes. Bob is a Michigan State University graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration. Directors

The By-Laws of the company allow five to eleven directors with more upon approval of a simple majority. Mr. Begin, Mr. Krupka, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Dalese are officers and directors of the Company. The Company's other current directors are:

Stephanie Coggon Stephanie Coggon and her family have lived on her family cherry orchard and vineyard on the Old Mission Peninsula since 1997. Her family is one of the two largest shareholders in Chateau Chantal. Professionally she has worked in healthcare for over twenty years most recently at the Grand Traverse Pavilions as an assessment Registered Nurse for the Dementia Care Unit. Stephanie has a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Wisconsin and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Dakota. Stephanie is a board member of the Father Fred Foundation and Volunteer for Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools.

Joseph Hanish Mr. Hanish is an elected member of the Board. He has held many positions in academics, administration, the restaurant industry and Securities. He is retired after sixteen years as manager of a Michigan office of Merrill/Lynch. He is a Certified Financial Counselor.

David K. Pontes, JD is an Associate with O’Reilly Rancilio P.C. in Sterling Heights, Michigan. David is a board member of the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council and is a Racquet Up Detroit volunteer. As a graduate of the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and Wayne State University Law School Juris Doctor, Davis also studied abroad at the Loyola University School of Law in Rio de Janeiro.

J. Edson Pontes, MD, Vice President International Medicine, Assistant Dean International Affairs, Wayne State University, Professor of Urology Oncology and internationally recognized surgeon, has followed Chateau Chantal operations from the beginning, is a new vineyard owner with a strong ‘at risk’ interest in both Peninsula real estate and the winery’s success.

Joseph Sarafa, partner at Moothart & Sarafa, PLC in the Grand Traverse area. Highly regarded for his community involvement, Joe has been a board member with the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Customer Advisory Council, Chairman of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission Customer Advisory Committee, and involved in the State Bar of Michigan and the Traverse City Economic Club. Joe earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit.

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com

Chateau Chantal 15900 Rue de Vin Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-969-4009 www.chateauchantal.com